The superhero genre has become densely populated lately, but fans will appreciate the fact that even though the space is crowded, most of the projects are decent. That’s especially true in the TV landscape, where it’s rare for a superhero show to have IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes scores that are below average. Even in cases of review-bombing, as was the case with She-Hulk: Attorney At Law the majority of reviews still remain positive.
Given the numerous number of live-action superhero shows that keep getting made, there are some fans on Reddit looking to invest their time in something worthwhile - and, as expected, they never failed to disappoint.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013 – 2020)
Stream On Disney+
Hufa123 confesses that the MCU companion series is “without a doubt the absolute best show I've ever watched.” In it, agents from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division deal with threats concerning individuals with superpowers.
As one of the first Marvel shows, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. creates a decent template that the newer Disney+ projects have borrowed from time to time. This includes always making a nod to movies and including events that build anticipation to the next big blockbuster. The show also curves a space for itself by using the agents as the main protagonists rather than the superheroes as is the case with almost every other project in the genre. In addition to that, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has some unforgettable guest stars too.
Stargirl (2020 – Present)
Stream On HBO Max
In this show, high school student, Courtney Whitmore, teams up with fellow young heroes to stop the Injustice Society of America (ISA). Hedgiwithhappen has proven to be an avid fan of the show as they feel that there is a “good blend of tension and humor,” adding that ”the writers clearly care about the characters.”
The CW show hasn’t quite managed to be a mega hit, but this one has really resonated with fans due to the fact that it keeps things simple using the usual hero-defeats-villain formula every few episodes. And the victories are well-deserved since ISA members tend to be very competent. Additionally, it’s perhaps the most suited for family viewing since it constantly emphasizes the importance of morality and respect.
Doom Patrol (2019 - Present)
Stream On HBO Max
For MattMurdock9, they say that Doom Patrol is “very good too with a ton of heart and great character development.” Events revolve around superheroes who received their powers through tragic circumstances and were taken in by a medical doctor (known as The Chief).
The Redditor is right about the character development since nearly everyone has a proper background story, sensible motivations, and even hobbies. When it comes to special abilities, there is no monotony either. Moroever, the most unique Doom Patrol powers still haven’t been copied anywhere else. But what truly makes the show golden is the frequency of shocking scenes, with at least a single moment in every episode guaranteed to leave jaws on the floor.
The Boys (2019 – Present)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
The Dynamite Comics adaptation sees a group of vigilantes attempting to stop super-powered individuals that seem decent to the public, but are secretly corrupt. WillConway2016 thinks the show is “so good that it has literally ruined all other superhero media that’s out there today.”
For a long time, the superhero genre was seen as family-friendly but the Prime Video offering has changed all that by packing in the gore and explicit scenes. At this point, it’s hard to keep up with the number of wild things the Supes in The Boys have done with their powers but what truly makes it a great show is how well the actors sell the ridiculousness. Special praise has been given to Anthony Starr for his performance as Homelander, with the character going to become a constant source of memes.
Superman & Lois (2021 – Present)
Stream On HBO Max
In this show, Superman and his family settle in the small town of Smallville, where they are presented with even bigger challenges. As one of the few remaining CW superhero shows, Redditor paige3086 confesses that “no show/characters have ever enthralled me in such an all-consuming way.”
A major reason the CW series works well is because the writer freed it from the continuity restrictions of the Arrowverse by setting it on a different Earth (not the main Earth-Prime). In this Earth, Superman is the only hero hence he gets all the glory. By not being part of victory that are team efforts, he looks more competent too. More importantly, Superman & Lois is the perfect family drama, with Clark Kent and Lois having to deal with the numerous challenges of parenthood as they raise two boys that have powers like their dad.
Loki (2021 – Present)
Stream On Disney+
Deemed by this Redditor to be “a masterpiece of modern TV,” this show follows one of the best MCU villains, Loki, as he creates an alternate timeline, leading to unforeseen consequences.
It has been argued that Loki is the best Asgardian, even better than Thor, and by watching the series, it’s easy to see why. Instead of diving deep into comedy (something Thor has been called out for in recent times), The series also has a strong script that isn’t heavy on action sequences, allowing audiences a chance to get a better understanding of Loki's mind and motives.
Peacemaker (2022)
Stream On HBO Max
Praised by this Redditor to be a "masterpiece,“ this series follows the Suicide Squad member, Peacemaker, as he joins the A.R.G.U.S. black ops team, "Project Butterfly," and helps in taking down a group of parasitic aliens.
The John Cena-led series is one of the projects that has helped heal a franchise after a string of critically-panned projects. As the first TV show set in the DCEU, Peacemaker avoids the PG highway and takes the detour of vulgarity and gore that’s often used in The Boys. That works out well, especially for the dialogue which feels rich and creative. The fact that there’s a very likable lead also helps.
Batman (1966 – 1968)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
About the best live-action superhero shows, Penguin3535 says, “Classic Batman for sure.” In it, some of the greatest Batman villains constantly come up with ways to destroy Gotham City or achieve world domination.
Given the era the show is set in, the costumes are subpar, and the tone is highly comical. However, the “case of the week” structure not only brings out Batman’s detective but also gives more villains a chance to shine. A major complaint about recent Batman projects is the overdependence on a few baddies like the Joker and Riddler, but the same can’t be said of the show which digs deep into the Batman rogue’s gallery.
Daredevil (2015 – 2018)
Stream On Disney+
The series originally created for Netflix follows lawyer Matt Murdock, who is seen to be struggling between doing his duty as a vigilante while also keeping his morality. For UpperSolution77, they believe it’s the best superhero show ever made, noting that it has “beautiful writing, the best villains and antagonists and superb acting."
The fight scenes in Daredevil are what have been mostly singled out for praise by fans. Watching the hero obliterate baddies on the regular is fun and so is watching him juggle his professional life with his crime-fighting one. Fans who were worried about the premature cancelation will also be happy about the fact that a revival is on the way.
Smallville (2001 – 2011)
Stream On Hulu
Before the MCU began distributing TV shows and the Arrowverse was born, many comic book fans were gripped by Smallville, which followed Clark Kent's earlier years before he becomes Superman. For Kryptonian33, they argue that “Clark Kent and Lex Luthor are the best. Nothing can top that duo.”
True to the Redditor’s words, the show offers a better Clark-Lex dynamic than most forms of Superman media. There isn’t all-out enmity between the two. Their relationship could be described as a friend-foe seesaw. The show also presents perhaps what is the best version of Lois, who is never short of quips and is always quick to challenge Clark.